A Life Underwater is the extraordinary memoir of marine biologist Charlie Veron, a maverick Australian who transformed our understanding of coral reefs.
Charlie Veron was born in Sydney and now lives near Townsville. He has three higher degrees in different fields of science and was the first full-time researcher on the Great Barrier Reef. He was the first scientist to be employed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, becoming Chief Scientist of that organisation in 1997. He has published a hundred pieces on all aspects of corals, from palaeontology, taxonomy and biogeography to physiology and molecular science, and has also published widely on other subjects, notably evolution and mass extinctions. He has also established a major website at coralsoftheworld.org. His many awards include the Darwin Medal, the Australian Marine Sciences Association Jubilee Pin, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Underwater Science. His work has underpinned most major reef conservation initiatives over the past two decades, inside the Coral Triangle and beyond. Charlie has been diving since the age of eighteen, logging six thousand hours underwater, and has participated in sixty-seven expeditions to most of the world's key reef regions.
'This is the story of one of my heroes, not just a world expert but
someone who has been fearless in trying to protect a natural
wonder. And to think he became a marine scientist by chance.
Charlie's story reads with flair, clarity and a sense of adventure.
A compelling book for our turbulent times.' Robyn Williams
'Charlie Veron is a ravishing writer. He shares Darwin's passionate
love of nature, forensic brilliance, courage and compassion. His
gritty, inspiring and thrilling life symbolises why we must all
work to save our planet's most spectacular marine environment.'
Iain McCalman
Charlie Veron isn't just a coral scientist, he's a pathfinder, a
scout who's been sending back dispatches on the future of our
planet for decades. If ever there was a moment for Australians to
listen up and act on what he's learnt, it's now.' Tim Winton
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